CRYSTAL Palace caretaker manager Keith Millen believes Saturday's trip to Hull City will be his last game in charge as the Eagles edge closer to appointing Newport's Tony Pulis as their new manager.

Millen has overseen first-team affairs since Ian Holloway stepped down after the club won only one of their first eight Premier League matches this season.

The caretaker boss could not confirm reports that Palace are in advanced talks with Pulis, although Millen does believe that the former Stoke City manager would fit the bill and provide crucial top-flight experience.

"I spoke to the chairman on Tuesday and saw the chief exec this morning. They are in discussions, but I don't know who with," said Millen.

"I've been told to get the squad prepared to travel on Friday for the game at Hull. We are looking forward to the game. It's not easy with the speculation, but it's a massive game and we've got to try and stay focused.

"I think if you look at what's needed, Tony (Pulis) is an experienced manager at this level. I think that would only be a good thing for the club and the players.

"We need someone with Premier League experience because a lot of us are very new to this level. We have got to look at the next four games. They are games we feel we can take points from."

Holloway parted company with Palace following the 4-1 defeat to Fulham at Selhurst Park on October 21, but Millen has backed chairman Steve Parish's decision to take his time over finding a replacement.

"It's a compliment to myself and the staff that the chairman hasn't felt rushed into a decision," Millen added. "We haven't changed too much over the past three or four weeks but the players have just got on with it.

"It looks like maybe this could be my last game in charge. I'm not looking at that. I'm just focusing on the job in hand.

"It's not right to talk about staffing issues until a new man does come in. He will assess what's here and see if he's happy with us "After Saturday, we haven't got a bedding in period. The new man will need to assess the group we've got and settle in quickly."